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B&B Guest Houses in North Lakes

B&B Guest Houses in Central Lake District

B&B Guest Houses in South Lakes

B&B Guest Houses in Carlisle & East Cumbria

B&B Guest Houses in Cumbria Coast

B&B B and B Bed and Breakfast Directory Guest houses Lake District UK

iKnow-LakeDistrict is a comprehensive online directory of accommodation with a specific sections for Bed & Breakfasts and Guest House accommodation (often shortened to B and B, B&B, BnB or even BB). Pictures to the left are linked to take you through to bed and breakfast listings in different regions of the Lakes. Alternatively you can start your search by using the main navigation above.

Find Lake District b&b guest houses

Bed and Breakfasts / Guest Houses in the Lake District

Bed and Breakfast accommodation usually incorporates guest houses, farmhouses and inns. The difference between guest houses and hotels that provide a bed and breakfast service is connected with additional services provided by the hotel. In Guest Houses the emphasis is personal and individual service for guests. Prices will always be good value, and rather than lots of facilities and a more standardised service you'll get friendly, usually family run accommodation with the owners often on hand to offer extra information and advice on the local area. There's ample choice of B&Bs in the Lake District, especially around hub centres like Keswick, Kendal, Ambleside, Bowness on Windermere and around popular Lakes such as Windermere, Ullswater, Derwentwater and Coniston Water.

The advantages of Bed & Breakfast accommodation is in the name, fully inclusive breakfast to set you up for your day of sight seeing, seaside fun or whatever activity on your agenda. Most guest houses and hotels offer a B&B service, with discounts for singles!

Worth checking out when considering Bed & Breakfast accommodation are the following: What about singles - is there a supplement for single occupancy? Advise host of arrival time - if you're running late let them know as they may re-let the room. Departure times are usually straight after breakfast. Cancellations usually result in loss of deposits. Availability of evening meals varies - ask and if not, find out where local restaurants and pubs are located. Also check for provision of en-suite bathroom facilities, smoking policy, are children welcome? Are pets welcome? Are there private parking facilities?

Cumbria Bed and Breakfast (B&B)

A growing trend is the increasing number of restaurants which now offer a B&B guest house service, offering a small number of rooms. This is great news, as you can enjoy your good 'knees up', and then tottor upstairs to your room!

You'll find many superb restaurants in the Lake District offering this service, often ones which have established reputations in offering the finest cuisine prepared by renowned chefs. B&B guest houses in Cumbria make perfect venues for the leisure visitor, and many are idyllically located in the Lake District countryside.

Guests return to the same venues again and again, building up friendships with owners. Hearty breakfasts, individual service, unique style, superb country or coastal settings, personal advice and tourism tips are all a part of the guest house experience. Your never a number in a guest house!

Booking Your Cumbria Bed & Breakfast

Booking in advance is recommended and deposits may be required. Some B&Bs only accept 2-3 night bookings, or a minimum of 2 night bookings at weekends and peak periods. Many will just do a one night.

Often Bed and Breakfast accommodation is located in the owner's home, with several bedrooms available.

Lake District Guest House / B&B Pricing

Pricing for B&B accommodation is usually 'PER PERSON', based on two people sharing a twin or double room per night. Cheaper rates, a couple of pounds cheaper, are often available if you stay for two or three nights.

Be aware of seasonal variations in pricing. Obvious peak seasons are summer, school holidays, Easter breaks, and Christmas festive season.

What to expect from your B and B / Guest House in the Lake District

B and B accommodation is inclusive of bed & breakfast only. Evening meals are often an option by arrangement. It's your choice whether to eat in or out.

Short stay options suited to the customer, either one night stays or weekend breaks. A cheaper price as compared to a package which also includes evening meal.

Usually a choice of breakfast options, including Full English breakfast which usually consists of bacon, egg, sausages, fried tomato and bread, tea or coffee, cereals and fruit juices.

Diamond ETC, RAC & AA Rating system - UK

The Diamonds scheme has been specially devised to rate guest houses and bed and breakfasts which don't offer the standard facilities usually provided by a hotel, although some guest houses do offer extras like small function rooms, perfect for small wedding or christening parties or a friends gathering. Some will also be licensed and offer a small bar and lounge area to guests, which may include games and occasionally in-house entertainment.

Guest houses will always be smaller than hotels, but this is part of the charm and attraction to many who seek a more informal and individual setting. What can make guest houses distinct is the fact that unlike hotels they may not offer an evening meal service. However, especially in resort areas, many B&B Guest Houses will offer an evening meal option which will not be inclusive in the price.

As with star ratings, the diamond rating system has now been standardised across the ETC, RAC and AA rating board. This means, for example, that a three diamond RAC rating reflects the same standards of service and facilities as an ETC or AA rating.

What to expect from the ETC Diamond Ratings

All diamond ratings offer a minimum standard of service and facilities which include clean, comfortable, and secure accommodation, and fully equipped bedrooms. All bedding, decor and furniture in rooms will be a high standard, and of course bedding, towels and so forth will be changed for the arrival of each new guest, and/or weekly at least if guests are staying for a long period. All curtains and blinds will function well and lighting, comfy seating and clothes storage such as a wardrobe will be standard.

Expect clean and comfortable carpets and rugs, plus a high standard of cleanliness for bathrooms, and toilet areas, with fresh toiletries always provided. Adequate heating will be provided at no extra cost, and extra heating available at no extra cost if requested. Hot water will be available at appropriate times and a hearty breakfast with choice usually, although some may only offer continental style breakfasts, will be offered to guests. Some B&B guest houses only display room rates only, and full English breakfasts and so forth may have to be paid for separately.

Tourist Board Diamond Rating - What's It All About?

The Diamond Rating scheme for B&B Guest houses runs from one diamond to five diamonds, with five representing the highest luxury standard of service and facilities. Diamond ratings are awarded for standards of cleanliness, service and hospitality and areas such as bedroom facilities, bathrooms with showers and toilets and the quality of food and dining room service. All public rooms such as lounges, bar areas and games rooms are judged for safety and security and general cleanliness, appearance and standard of upkeep.

In summary then Diamond ratings consider standards of cleanliness, housekeeping and provision and availability of extra facilities. Percentage scores are then awarded based on consideration of these aspects, and translated into a Diamond rating from 1-5.

1 Diamond reflects a Standard Quality - scoring between 20% and 34% on the above. 2 Diamonds reflects Standard Quality - scoring between 35% and 49% on the above. 3 Diamonds is a Good Quality achieved - scoring between 50% and 69% on the above. 4 Diamonds is High Quality achieved - scoring between 70% and 84% on the above. 5 Diamonds is Outstanding Quality scoring of 85% and more and achieving the highest quality in the above.

ETC Red Diamond Awards

Watch out for Red Diamond awards which are designated to B&B guest houses achieving the very best standards in the Three, Four and Five Diamond ratings.

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